When to Seek Medical Care

If a person experiences symptoms of food allergy, call a health care professional right away for advice.

He or she may recommend that you go to a hospital emergency department.

If the person is unable to reach a health care professional and is concerned about their symptoms, they should go to the emergency department.

Severe reactions, including symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness or lightheadedness, or tightness or choking in the throat, require treatment in an emergency department.

Even mild symptoms that are not improving or are getting worse require evaluation in an emergency department.

The person should not attempt to drive to the hospital. If no one is available to drive the person immediately, call 9-1-1 for emergency medical transport. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, start self-treatment.